Southwest Vida Family Fun Run at Barnum Park Saturday, Nov. 11

Inaugural 3K Run/Walk to Benefit Local Youth Organization and Build Community Ties

DENVER, Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Walkers and runners of all levels are invited to join Southwest Vida's free inaugural 3K Fun Run on Saturday morning Nov. 11 at Barnum Park. Registration is free, and all participants will receive a t-shirt, water bottle and gift bag with coupons from local businesses.

Southwest Vida has served Southwest Denver since 2019 and is dedicated to mitigating youth substance misuse, raising awareness about mental health, and reducing violence in the community.

"We are excited to debut a community event to highlight the importance of youth focused programs in an area of Denver that struggles with a wide range of issues impacting local businesses, young adults and children," said Pearl Lopez, founder of Southwest Vida and a Program Manager for District 4 of the Denver Police Department. "We hope that friends, neighbors and local businesses find a way to participate, or just come out and cheer on the walkers/runners!"

"Denver Parks and Recreation is proud to host the Southwest Vida Fun Run at Barnum Park," said John Martinez, Deputy Executive Director of Recreation. "In partnership with city agencies and other organizations, we are committed to supporting activities and programs that prevent youth violence in our communities."

On the day, the schedule of events is as follows:

8:00-9:15am    Registration (pre-register here)
9:30am            Competitive Race
10:00am          Family Fun Run & Walk
10:30am          Kids ¼ Mile Loop

One of the impactful projects funded by the organization is the Southwest Vida Magazine which is strategically planned, designed, and developed solely by youth leaders. It is a bilingual magazine, offered in English and Spanish, and is distributed city-wide. What began as a four-page newsletter has grown into a magazine of 16 pages, published and designed by its youth led team.

"Southwest Vida has been a huge influence in my life, and I love witnessing change in the youth whose lives we touch, just by providing a safe space for them and giving them alternate life choices. The magazine is an amazing creative and expressive outlet for those who want to share their voices and be heard," said Nicole Guzman, Creative Leader of Southwest Vida.

"The Denver Police Department is grateful for the impact that organizations such as Southwest Vida make on our community," commented Chief of Police Ron Thomas. "They have been committed from the beginning to reducing youth crime, violence and drug use through a myriad of programs, which involve local neighborhoods and foster engagement."

Call to Southwest Denver businesses and community organizations:

Southwest Vida invites local businesses and organizations to participate in the Finish Line Fair by bringing a table or tent. Handing out flyers and coupons is permitted, but not the sale of merchandise. Please register your business here.

For more information about Southwest Vida, please visit: https://southwestvida.org/

SOURCE Southwest Vida